Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycles’

Small town brawl!

Monday, January 5th, 2009

It was a quite day in a small Bar in upstate New York . The girl working behind the bar was young, she had just turned 18 and had only been bar tending a few weeks, this was her first time working alone. Everything was going fine with only two of the regulars in the back shooting pool it was nothing she could not handle she thought to herself.

Then the front door opened and in walked ten of the biggest men she had ever seen. They talked loudly and as they walked over to the far side of the bar, She got a look at the back of their jackets. She could easily see that the markings on them where all the same. The men ordered pitchers of beer and their talking only got louder as they drank more and talked about things she did not understand. Then the men went quite as the front door opened and in walked seven more large men, at first she thought these seven men where with the first Ten as they looked and dressed similar but as she looked at the markings on the backs of these new comers Jackets she could tell while they where similar the markings where different, By the way the two groups where looking at each other she guessed the difference must mean a lot to them.

The Seven men sat up toward the front of the bar and also ordered pitchers of beer. The young girl did her best to make sure both groups where kept happy, but it was just a matter of time and Beer! When one of the men from the first group called out to her, “Hey Honey don’t worry about those guys, there losers! Come over here and hang with some real men.” That was all it took, the fuse was lit. “Who you calling losers pal we are good enough to beat you any day of the week!” Yelled back a guy from the second group. “You may think your as good as us but you never will be!” Yelled back a man from the first group.

Then in what was a blur to our young barmaid a fight broke out between the two groups it was loud and she could hear glass and wood breaking all around her as the men cursed and screamed at each other. This young Girl was scared and she feared for her life.

Her fear abated a little when in the distance she heard sirens. The police are coming, she thought to herself as she hid behind the bar. The police arrived in force and they stormed in arresting the men and taking them away. When things got quite and all the men where taken away the young girl looked around the small bar. So much damage she thought to herself, She looked at one of the officers and asked how did you know to come here. We got a call that these two groups where both heading to this bar and we just knew, it happens all the time with these type of guys!!!

Epilogue: The next morning when the young barmaid awoke she walked down stairs to the kitchen where her father was reading the morning paper. Does it say anything about the fight in the bar yesterday she asked her father? Yes he said as he pointed to a small article in the back of the paper “Yankees and Mets fans Brawl it out in small town bar” the story went on to explain how all the men where given tickets for disorderly conduct and released. That’s it she screamed at her father these men trash the bar, scare the hell out of me, They should all be in jail and all they get is Tickets!!! Calm down sweetheart her father said as he hugged her, The way your acting one would think it had been a bunch of rowdy Bikers in the bar yesterday! Those Guys would have been locked away, But it was only Sports fans!

Story By Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

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NYC AMA MOTORCYCLE CLUBS HOST BIKER BLOOD DRIVE

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

Every February I attend the Annual AMA Biker’s Blood Drive and Party at Harley Davidson of NYC in Long Island City. The Biker’s Blood Drive grows a little bigger every year.

I have gone just about every year and always give a pint of the good stuff, The event always brings in many Bikers from all over the Long Island\New York City area and many pints of Blood are always collected!

The Blood Donated will be used locally to help save those in our area. For just one Pint of Blood Guests are treated to Live Music by The always incredible “The Transplant Band” They are also given all the Bagels, Donuts, Muffins, Cookies and candy they Can eat along with many varieties of Juice. I think what really gets many of the Bikers to donate is the Free Harley Davidson of NYC T-Shirt.

Blood Donations get slow during the Winter Months and the goal of this event is to make sure there is plenty of Blood in the NYC area. All Blood donated stays in the area and goes to help someone local. The Bikers all know the life they help save could be one of there own.

This is another great event that helps everyone to see the great things that Bikers can do when they stand together and united! A big thanks goes out to Lauren of the Chai Riders MC, She has been a huge part of what has kept this event going over the years!

For more info check out nycharleydavidson.com I hope to see all of you there Next year !!!

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

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Motorcycle Club Mentality Versus The Biker Gang Mentality

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009

I want to talk a little about the Brotherhood mentality versus the gang mentality in the Motorcycle Club world . Now for those of you who may be asking what is the difference? I will set up a scene to help give you an idea! At a small Bar a member of a Motorcycle Club walks in he sees four Bikers playing pool, He can tell they are a bit nervous, They see his patches and they know who he is with. Now how does he act? Does he walk over to the pool table knock the 8 ball in the pocket say games over and tell one of them to buy him a beer? Or does he walk over introduce himself and let them know when they are done shooting pool they are welcome to stop over at the bar have a beer and talk with him! One is the gang way of thinking the other is the Brotherhood way of thinking! I really don’t think I need to tell you which is which!

Now one thing everyone needs to remember is all of the original Motorcycle Clubs Started out with the idea of being a tight nit group of Brothers and just about all of these Motorcycle Clubs got along. Don’t forget many of the men who started the first MCs where returning home after serving their country during times of war. They were looking for that feeling of Brotherhood here at home that they had been left behind. These were good men seeking adventure, looking to ride their Motorcycles and have a good time with others like themselves. Today most Motorcycle Clubs have gone back to that way of Club thinking, There are very few Clubs left that still have the Gang Mentality that was seen mostly during the 70’s threw 90’s. During the late 90’s things had just gotten too far out of hand and most Motorcycle Clubs began to realize the Gang Mentality was not the way it was meant to be and it was not the way they wanted it to be anymore, This was not what the Clubs were started for ! Many Clubs who had been friends were now fighting with each other. No one wanted to wear club support gear and things were just not fun anymore. These MC’s had all started their Clubs with the same ideals and ways of thinking, How and why had they grown so far apart that they now hated each other!

Well the answer to how is during the 50’s and 60’s the golden age of the Brotherhood years of Motorcycling, The Motorcycle Clubs were really huge. During this great time many of the Biker Movies that came out showed Motorcycle Club Members as Bullies and Thugs. The Bikers in these movies would pick on those weaker then them, take over small towns and the Clubs in these Movies all fought each other just like the street gangs of the time! So of course over time many new Bikers came to believe that this was the way it was. So when New Clubs started this was how they would act and the Original Motorcycle Clubs now had members who where young kids looking to prove how tough they were by starting fights with each other. The Original Motorcycle Club Members had been threw real wars together and they were as hard as nails and had nothing to prove to no one! But many younger members felt that they had something to prove and would imitate the Biker Clubs from the Movies they had scene and soon it was Biker against Biker, Brother against Brother, MC against MC. Thus began the Dark age of the Motorcycle Gang Mentality years.

Now for the question Why did this Happen? Well When something Changes the way of thinking and being of Groups like the Motorcycle Clubs so far from their original ideals, You have to ask was it just an accident these movies did this? Or was there more to it? Was there a plan behind it? Is there someone or some group out there that would benefit from having these large groups of Motorcycle Clubs who are run in a very military fashion and are made up of many ex-Military Members fighting against each other? If these Clubs all got along and worked together the world could be a very Different place! The Motorcycle world certainly would be! Are there people out there who are afraid of this happening?

Today there are very few Clubs left that have the Gang Mentality. Most have gone back to the Brotherhood way and the word Gang in the Motorcycle Club world has become almost the equivalent of a racial slur. Now as Motorcycle Clubs are beginning to go back to the way it was at the start and trying to put the past behind them, I am noticing that there are more and more Biker movies and TV shows Coming out. Will these shows show MC’s in a good way? Will they go out of their way to stir up the quarrels of the past? Will they show us as mindless Bullies much as the Movie Wild Hogs did? Most Important will we let them influence how we really are? Or have we learned from our past? If all continues to go well we could soon be making our way into the Second Golden age of Motorcycle Club Brotherhood back to where it all Started !!!

All Bikers need to ask themselves, Are you part of the Problem or part of the Solution?

I am Your Bro LJ James with AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

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Big Sandbar Chapter of The Antique Motorcycle Club “Swap meet”

Friday, January 2nd, 2009

Every year In a Little Town in New York called Ridge, On a Big Sandbar known as Long Island, Hundreds of Bikers who have only Antique Motorcycles on their minds. Gather to attend The Big Sandbar Chapter of The Antique Motorcycle Club of America,Inc’s annual “Winter Blues Swap meet” at the Ridge Firehouse. As I entered I was greeted by two lovely Lady’s. I told them who I was and they where happy to tell me about the Big Sandbar Chapter of the AMCA. I was told how the AMCA considers any Motorcycle 35 years or older an Antique.

Being I am a few years older then 35 and not feeling anything like an Antique, I’m thinking maybe it should be moved up to like 55 years an older! After all they say 50 is the new 30!

I also found out The Big Sandbar Chapter prides itself on being very Family Friendly, many of the Members are made up of Husbands and Wives and even some of their Kids. Many of the Big Sandbar Chapters events are Designed so the whole family can enjoy them together!

Of Course you Don’t need to be Married with Children to be a member of the Big Sandbar Chapter of the AMCA! All you need is a love for Antique Motorcycles and live anywhere in their coverage area which is from Montauk to Manhattan. The Chapter meets six times a year and is Well known for it’s Annual May Swap Meet at the Fireman’s Park in Ridge!

To learn more about the AMCA go to www.thebigsandbar.com

Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com and Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

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Breakfast with Santa and the Cycle Sisters MC

Thursday, January 1st, 2009

I’ve heard it said that the first real Snow fall of the Holiday season is supposed to be magical.I’ve also heard it said that it means Santa is taking the slay out for the test run! Sunday December 2nd was the first real Snow fall of the 2007 Holiday Season on Long Island. Now I’m not saying I always believe Everything I hear, but it was a Magical Day and I did see Santa.

He was at the Cycle Sisters MC and the Reach Committee from Quest Diagnostics “Breakfast with Santa” Toy Fundraiser. The event started at 9am at the Marine Corps Building in Massapequa with a Smorgasbord of Breakfast foods, Donated by IHOP of Massapequa and Dunkin Donuts of North Babylon and Deer Park.

The place was packed with Children both young and old enjoying the morning festivity’s with Mr. Santa Claus himself! The only cost to enter was one Toy donated to the Marine Corps “Toys for Tots”. There where many Elves on hand to help Santa out, most had pointy ears but there was one Standing Tall and Proud in Uniform.

This was a great event and all the Children where thrilled to be able to sit and enjoy Breakfast and tell old St’ Nick what they wanted this year for Christmas! As for me well I can not think of many ways I’d rather spend a morning then with a bunch of Donuts and my friends the Lady’s of the Cycle Sisters MC!

Be sure to check them out at CycleSistersMC.com Happy Holidays Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

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A Bikers Tale: Son Of Pappy

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

Many of you out there probably do not know that I L.J. James am the Son of Pappy (Freelance writer on the Biker Lifestyle) ! Hell I didn’t know till 1986,Well I knew I just didn’t know him! Pappy an my Mother got separated when I was young and I didn’t see Pappy from around 76 till 86. When I met him he wasn’t even known as Pappy yet! That came later.

I had lived with my Mother an step-Father on Long Island in NY till the Summer of 86. I had always been into Bikes and the life style. Many times after getting into some kind of trouble I would hear the saying “He is just like his Father”. Little did I know at the time just how true it really was! After getting into some more teenage trouble (you know the deal Drinking,Staying out late, getting brought home by the cops 2 or 3 times). My Mother figured it was time for me to meet my Father. So in the Summer of 86 at the age of 15, I found myself flying up to Rochester NY to meet my Father!

When I first met Pappy He owned a large House and He rented out rooms in the house to College kids and other Bikers. Almost as soon as I got there Pappy started teaching me to Ride a Motorcycle and probably just as important if not more, what the words Respect, Honesty , Loyalty and Brotherhood mean in the Biker World. I still remember clearly one time at a John Fogarty Concert. Me, Pappy and a few other Bikers where in the parking lot looking at Motorcycles. I saw this really cool bike with this paint job that was just unbelievable, I went to touch it and Pappy grabbed my hand looked at me in the eyes and told me “Never touch another mans Bike without his permission” and till this day I never have.

The House Pappy owend was well known by many of the Bikers in the area and was the place many large party’s where held, It was not uncommon to find a bunch of Bikers sleeping in the living room any given morning. These Bikers where family to me and when they said “He is just like his Father” it gave me a feeling of over whelming pride! I have always loved hearing the stories these true Brothers of the biker world would tell me. I feel the old Biker stories need to be saved and told over and over again.

New Motorcycle Riders are learning about Biker history from old 1960’s Biker Gang movies that have no historic truth to them. Just like with any culture if you lose your true history you lose what you really are! I feel the only way to return the Biker world to its true origin is to keep the old stories alive ! Too many “Bikers” complain that the younger Motorcycle Riders of today have no idea what it means to be a Biker! Well I think maybe the problem is that some of the older Bikers never really knew what it meant to be a Biker, Because if they did they would know its their job to teach the next generation! A new Motorcycle Rider must know what the Spirit of Biker Brotherhood is before he can truly feel it and become a part of it. (Maybe that’s part of why I became a writer?)

I said at the Beginning of this story Pappy was not yet known as Pappy and I would tell you how that came to be. Well if you remember the Summer of 86 you will remember the Karate Kid Movie was a Big Hit and was on HBO like 10 times a day,Well as far as I could remember I had never called anyone Dad or Father or anything like that. In the Karate Kid they called each other miyagi san and Daniel san! Well thinking I was clever I started calling my Father “Pappy san”, He in turn started calling me Son of Pappy and soon after everyone started calling Him Pappy!

Now many of You maybe wondering why the Hell am I telling you all this. Well like I have said there are many Motorcycle riders these days that have no clue what Biker Brotherhood really is. I think it is important that they know this is not something you buy into, But something you grow into. Too many buy a Motorcycle and then do nothing but talk, They are only there for you if you have something to offer them. There are very few true Bikers left, Bikers are being replaced by Motorcycle enthusiasts and part of it is our own fault! I write this story in hopes it will help spread the word that only the true old School bikers can teach the younger generation the true meaning of Biker Brotherhood.

true Biker who feels the Brotherhood Spirit always has some older Biker to thank for passing that Spirit onto him! I thank my Father Pappy, My Uncle Trey and all the other Bikers Who helped to raise me to be the Biker I am, I am very glad to have been raised by them and I am very Proud to have grown up to be one of them !

I am Your Bro, Son of Pappy L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com Radio show at BikerLowdown.com

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Full Face Motorcycle Helmets are the Way to Go

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

If you love to ride a motorcycle, there are probably many reasons that you’re an enthusiast. You love the freedom that you get from riding a motorcycle, and the brotherhood. But like many riders, you might also worry about safety.

If you are a rider who has safety in mind, a full face motorcycle helmet may be the right choice for you. It has many different safety protections built in which will give you peace of mind, and it looks sharp.

You will find that there are many different styles of full face motorcycle helmets that have a wide range of prices. These prices reflect different styles, and different features that may be available.

All full face motorcycle helmets come with some great safety features. Remember to never buy a helmet that doesn’t say it meets or exceeds Department of Transportation standards for safety.

A full face helmet offers you great protection from falls. Not only are the top and the sides of your head protected, so is your chin. This will help to minimize cuts and bruising if you fall.

In many full face motorcycle helmets, you get the added benefit of shock absorption found in layers in the helmet. In the event of a fall or crash, this will help to stabilize and cushion you.

An advantage to a full face helmet is the face shield. It protects you if you are behind a vehicle kicking up rocks, or are riding in inclement weather. Many also come with UV protection, essential for your eyes.

Full face motorcycle helmets are a great, safe way to protect yourself while you’re riding your motorcycle. They not only give you a full range of vision, but also protect you in a way that is unmatched.

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A Motorcycle Club by any other name

Monday, December 29th, 2008

Think about the words Motorcycle Club! Why is it that when those words are heard together many think Crime or Criminal Organization? Say you are having an event and you are looking for a place to have it. You can have a book club and everyone will welcome you in! A cooking club and everyone really loves you. You say Motorcycle Club and right away its, Sorry we are busy on that day!

Motorcycle Clubs are even turned away from bars where they want to have events by Independent Bikers,Why is that? We need to let the world know that Bikers independent or in a Motorcycle Club can be good people! We can not show people that Motorcycle Club Members are not all bad if we are not allowed in a Bar because we are wearing Colors, Its the same thing if you are an independent biker and some one will not let you in some sports bar because you are wearing a leather jacket! I hope when an independent Biker who has turned away Motorcycle Clubs from his bar and is then turned away from a bar he wants to go in Understands the irony!

Some Motorcycle Clubs have even gone so far as to changed their name, they call themselves Riding Clubs,Motorcycle associations or some other type of group so they can leave out the words Motorcycle Club! and try to avoid the problems that come with being part of a Motorcycle Club! They say they are different from a Motorcycle Club ! They look and dress and act just like a motorcycle Club but they just call themselves something different! I say a rose by any other name !!!

These Clubs are just trying to get around all the prejudice associated with the words Motorcycle Club ! They are not part of the solution but are part of the problem! This is America and You can call your Club what ever you want, But the thing that unites you and your Club is the same thing that unites all who Ride! It is the Motorcycle! How can anyone leave out the word Motorcycle? It is the heart of what you are!

If You are a Motorcycle Club be proud of it and don’t try to get around any problems by playing word games and calling yourself something else by using different words!!!

This is just my opinion I would like to know what others think, Please email me at AmericanBikerX@Yahoo.com Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com

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Where to Buy a New Motorcycle Helmet

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

If you’re a first time helmet buyer, it may be difficult to decide which helmet is the best for you. There are so many styles and certifications, not to mention price ranges, that it can be hard to tell what’s safe.

If you’re ready to buy a new motorcycle helmet, there are some decisions you need to make first about style and design. Are you definitely safety conscious, or are you more interested in freedom while you ride.

For those riders for whom safety is their first priority, you should look into full face helmets as you buy a new motorcycle helmet. In a crash, these will protect your entire head and face.

If you like feeling the wind in your face when you ride, you should explore and open face design when buying your new motorcycle helmet. These do not cover your face, but still protect the top and sides of your head.

After you’ve chosen a helmet design, it’s time for you to customize your helmet to meet your personality. You have many different colors to choose from, as well as different graphic designs.

Once you’ve decided on the right style and design for you, you’ll need to decide which safety certification makes you comfortable. A DOT certified helmet meets minimum safety standards when tested by its manufacturer.

A Snell certification is more rigorous testing, done in an independent laboratory. A Snell helmet is the safest that there is, but is usually often an expensive helmet, which can be prohibitive.

When you’re ready to buy a motorcycle helmet, it isn’t hard at all. You can go to a local bike shop, or search online, to find the exact right helmet for you. With so many to choose from, there’s a perfect helmet for everyone.

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DOT Motorcycle Helmet Certification is Important

Friday, December 26th, 2008

When you’re in the market for a new helmet, it can be a challenge to know which is safest for you. One good way to know that the helmet you’re buying is safe is to check if it is DOT certified.

DOT motorcycle helmet certification is demonstrated through affixing a sticker to the back of any new helmet. If you find a cool looking helmet, but it doesn’t have the certification, it might not protect you in a crash, so don’t buy it.

The DOT is the United States Department of Transportation. It is the body designated to make sure that all vehicles are safe, and that all riders are safe within them. This is why the mandate wearing seatbelts and helmets.

What standards must be met to attain DOT motorcycle helmet certification? First, a helmet must absorb most of the force on impact. It must also prevent most objects from penetrating it, and it must fasten in a way that can withstand a large amount of force.

How does DOT motorcycle helmet testing work? It’s actually the manufacturer’s job to test the helmet. If they find that their helmet passes these standards, they can affix the sticker to the helmet.

You’re probably thinking about what happens if a manufacturer fudges the results a little. Periodically, the DOT will send helmets to independent labs for testing, and posts the results on their website.

You should be wary of fake DOT helmets, attached by some manufacturers or helmet dealers to make their helmets more attractive to buyers. Check on the DOT website before you shop to see the real sticker.

DOT motorcycle helmet certification is an important safety tool for riders. This is a way to ensure that your helmet meets minimum safety standards, and will be able to protect you in a crash.

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